FLT3-ITD detection of free DNA in plasma from 235 patients with acute myeloid leukemia and its clinical significance / 中国实验血液学杂志

ABSTRACT

This study was purposed to evaluate the clinical significance of FLT3-ITD of free DNA in plasma from patients with AML. Free DNA in plasma of 235 patients with AML were extracted and identified by globin gene. FLT3 was amplified by PCR and compared with detected results of leukemic cellular DNA (BM or PB). The results indicated that out of total 235 patients, globin gene in plasma free DNA was successfully amplified from 190 cases. In 188 newly diagnosed, replaced and refractory cases, 35 cases showed ITD mutation (19%). And they also showed ITD mutation in leukemic cellular DNA. But in 47 patients in remission, 2 patients with FLT3-ITD mutation of free DNA in plasma had no mutation in cellular DNA, but got relapse early. Compared with patients of FLT3-wt, patients with FLT3-ITD mutation had increased WBC count and expression rate of CD7, CD56 and decreased CR rate. It is concluded that leukemic-specific DNA in plasma can be detected in AML patients and consistent with detected results of leukemic cellular DNA. Furthermore, the free DNA in plasma is more sensitive for MRD monitoring in remitted patients. FLT3-ITD detection plays an important role in evaluation of prognosis and molecular target therapy for AML patients.